International Decorative Art

Chair

Chair

Design Date c. 1900

Designer Gustav Siegel (1880–1970, Austrian)

Manufacturer Jacob & Josef Kohn (1850–1928), Vienna, Austria

Media stained wood

Dimensions 36 1/2 x 16 1/4 x 19 1/4 inches

This bentwood chair was made by steaming the wood until it became pliable and could be formed into the desired shape. Siegel was a master of this technique, but is often overlooked and not given the credit he deserves for his contributions to bentwood furniture development. He designed both the furniture and the exhibition booth for J. & J. Kohn, manufacturer of this chair, at the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris.

ON VIEW in Art Nouveau Gallery 4

Markings Two rectangular paper labels on bottom, “Jacob & Josef Kohn, Wien” and “J & J KOHN WESTFN-AUSTRIA” with a black ink stamp on front seat rail.

Credit Line Collection Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

Accession Number 2011.0643